Gun switch connector



Aug. 12,1958 1-. F.- TREFNY 2,846,802

GUN SWITCH CONNECTOR Filed Nov. 30, 1956 IN V EN TOR. THOMAS F TREF/VY Unite .jf

taes Patent f y me 2,846,802 GUN SWITCH CONNECTOR Thomas F. Trefny, Jamaica, N. Y. Application November 30, 1956, Serial No. 625,432 1 Claim. (CI. 4284) This invention relates to electro-rnechanical connecting means and more particularly to means to connect an electronic scoring system to a standard gun.

Electronic scoring systems are commonly used by the armed forces, police departments, gun clubs, and shooting galleries for training purposes. They have a great advantage over the use of live ammunition with regard to economy and safety. Also, the expense of constructing target ranges using live ammunition is great and their location is limited. Ranges using electronic scoring systems may be located practically anywhere and the installation may be quite flexible.

Electronic scoring systems generally use an optical system incorporating photo cells, either a light projector or a photo cell being mounted on the gun.

One of the major problems in these systems is connecting the system to the gun. The connector must be easily connected or inserted and must in no way impair the normal operation of the gun. The connector must include a switch mechanically connected to the trigger and suitable terminals for connecting the connecting cables. Prior connectors have generally been constructed in several parts which must be assembled on the gun.

The present invention provides new and improved means to solve this connector problem by providing a one-piece connector adapted to be inserted in the magazine chamber in place of the usual cartridge clip. An extension member of the casing fits under the trigger guard of the gun and a hooked connecting rod connects the trigger with the actuating switch.

Accordingly, a principal object of the invention is to provide new and improved means for connecting an electronic scoring system to a gun.

Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved gun connecting means comprising a onepiece connector adapted to fit in the existing magazine chamber.

Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved gun connecting means comprising a one-piece connector adapted to fit in the existing'magazine chamber having a switch adapted to be connected to the gun trigger.

Another object of the invention is to provide means to connect a gun to an electronic scoring system comprising a casing adapted to fit the cartridge clip magazine chamber of a gun, a switch mounted in said casing, and connecting rod means connecting said switch to the trigger of said gun.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from the following specification and drawings, of which:

Figure 1 is a side View partially in section of an embodiment of the invention connected in a gun.

Figure 2 is a side view of the connector of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the connector taken along the lines 3-3 of Figure 1, and

Figure 4 is a side view of the other side of the connector of Figure 1.

Referring to the drawings, the invention comprises a connector having an upper casing 1 which is adapted to slide into the magazine chamber 2 of the gun 3, that is, the space normally occupied by the cartridge clip. The lower casing 4 is adapted to fit under the trigger guard 5 of the gun.

8, and 9. Also mounted on the terminal board is a 5 micro switch 11. Suitable openings 12 and 13 are provided for connecting cables to enter the connector.

A connecting rod 15 has a projecting member 16 which is adapted to contact the switch arm 17 at one end. At its other end the connecting rod is curved in a U-shape, the upper end 18 of which extends behind the trigger 20 of the gun. The connecting rod is rotatably mounted in the connector through a bracket 21 and is spring loaded against bracket 21 by means of the spring 22. The connecting rod is rotatable so that it may be easily disengaged from the trigger. In order to prevent accidental rotation, a flat portion 23 is milled into the rod, and a flat spring 24 attached to the bottom of the extension member 4 bears against fiat portion 23 prevents accidental rotation.

The casing is preferably constructed from heavy gauge steel with all welded seams and corners. The upper casing 1 is adapted to slide over the lower casing 3 and to be fastened in place.

To insert the connector into the gun, the U-shaped arm is first rotated out so it will pass the trigger guard. The connector is then inserted into the magazine chamber and the rail 33 and pin 34 position the casing 1 in existing cam locks provided for the cartridge clip. The U-shapecl arm 18 is then rotated so that it comes to rest behind the trigger and the unit is ready for operation.

The gun isthen cocked in usual fashion, sighted, and the trigger moved to make the shot. When the trigger is moved, the connecting rod 15 actuates the switch arm 11 and the results are recorded by the scoring system. The details of the scoring system are beyond the scope of the present invention, and the present connector may be used with many difierent type scoring systems since they all require the actuation of a switch at the instant of firing.

The invention has been shown as connected to an M1 or M2 carbine. However, it is not limited to any particular type gun but may be modified to fit other gun designs without departing from the scope of the invention.

I claim:

In a rifle of the type having a trigger in a trigger guard and a chamber for a cartridge clip; removable electrical connector means mounted in said chamber comprising a casing, a switch mounted in said casing, and connecting means connecting said switch and said trigger, said connecting means comprising a rod rotatably mounted in said casing, one end of said rod being connected to said switch and the other end of said rod being curved in a U-shape whereby when said rod is rotated said U-shaped end enters the area enclosed by said trigger guard and connects operatively with said trigger.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 252,944 Holahan Jan. 31, 1882 1,267,293 Veteto May 21, 1918 1,525,892 Schlosser et a1 Feb. 10, 1925 1,526,847 Fritz Feb. 17, 1925 1,875,941 Schwartz Sept. 6, 1932 2,298,678 Chase Oct. 13, 1942 2,337,145 Albree Dec. 21, 1943 FOREIGN PATENTS 70,170 Germany Aug. 8, 1893 424,562 Great Britain Feb. 22, 1935 

